The intersection of sport and cinema has long provided a fertile ground for storytelling, but rarely does a project capture the cross-cultural synergy inherent in soccer quite like Forza. A poignant drama filmed across the lush landscapes of Bali and the historic streets of Milan, Forza is set to make significant waves in the international film market.
International sales powerhouse EST N8 has officially acquired the global rights to the film, marking a major milestone for the production. The film is scheduled for a high-profile presentation at the upcoming Tokyo International Film Festival’s (TIFF) content market, TIFFCOM, which runs from October 28 to 30. This acquisition signals a strong vote of confidence from a distributor known for championing bold, genre-defying Asian cinema, positioning Forza as a potential breakout hit for international audiences.
The Narrative Core: A Story of Hope and Mentorship
At the heart of Marco Balsamo’s directorial debut is a universal story of aspiration. The film follows Bima, an 11-year-old boy from Bali whose dreams of becoming a professional footballer are fueled by a desperate, noble desire to uplift his family from poverty.
The plot takes a transformative turn when Bima crosses paths with a fading football legend—a former AC Milan star nearing the end of his illustrious career. This encounter serves as the catalyst for the film’s emotional arc, as the two characters—separated by age, geography, and professional status—find a profound, life-altering connection. It is a classic "odd couple" dynamic, elevated by the shared language of the pitch, exploring themes of legacy, second chances, and the tenacity of the human spirit.
Newcomer Ghazi Alhabsyi carries the weight of the film in the role of Bima, delivering a performance that filmmakers describe as both raw and deeply empathetic. The supporting cast is equally formidable, featuring a blend of international icons and Indonesian cinema royalty. Director Marco Balsamo appears on screen alongside Tara Sibel Demren and AC Milan legend Alessandro Costacurta. The film also boasts the presence of Indonesian Film Festival (FFI) winners Atiqah Hasiholan, Oka Antara, and Tio Pakusadewo, grounding the production in the rich, authentic talent of the Indonesian film industry.
Chronology of a Labor of Love
The journey of Forza from concept to screen has been one of persistence and meticulous planning. Developed under the banner of Riva Studios, the project benefited from the expertise of seasoned industry veterans, including Ario Sagantoro, whose work on the globally acclaimed The Raid franchise established him as a master of high-stakes, high-impact storytelling.
- 2022: Riva Studios is co-founded by Marco Balsamo and Tara Sibel Demren, with a mission to push boundaries in live-action, animation, and music.
- 2024: Riva Studios expands its footprint by acquiring the French animation house TeamTO, signaling a period of rapid growth and creative diversification. Forza is designated as the studio’s inaugural live-action feature.
- October 25, 2024: The film holds its highly anticipated public premiere at Jakarta Film Week. The response from the local audience is immediate and overwhelming, with all tickets for the screenings at CGV Grand Indonesia vanishing within five minutes of release.
- October 28–30, 2024: Forza enters the international market at TIFFCOM in Tokyo, where EST N8 begins its global sales campaign.
- 2027: The film is slated for a wide theatrical release across Indonesia, distributed by Adhya Pictures.
Supporting Data: Why Forza Travels Well
The commercial viability of Forza is not merely speculative; the data surrounding its development suggests a film built for international longevity. By bridging Indonesia—a nation with an immense, passionate football culture—and Italy—the spiritual home of tactical, historic soccer—the film taps into a global audience of billions.
EST N8’s decision to pick up the title is backed by their extensive track record. The company, a merger between EST Studios and N8, operates out of Los Angeles and Bangkok with a reach spanning over 100 territories. Their portfolio includes high-caliber titles such as the Oscar-shortlisted Hidden Letters, the Bhutanese Oscar entry The Monk and the Gun, and the Cannes Critics’ Week winner A Useful Ghost.
The inclusion of Forza in their current lineup alongside titles like the Korean sci-fi animation Pilgrims and the J-horror The Invisible Half demonstrates the firm’s strategic focus on diversity. For Forza, the strategy is clear: market the film not just as a sports movie, but as a family-oriented drama that transcends cultural barriers.
Official Responses: Voices from the Creative Team
The creative force behind the film views Forza as more than just a commercial endeavor. For Marco Balsamo, the project is a testament to the endurance required to produce independent cinema.
"We’ve spent years bringing Forza to the screen, and Indonesia has been at the heart of it from the beginning," Balsamo remarked. "This film is a labor of love and a testament to the perseverance and collaboration behind independent filmmaking. Sharing the film at Jakarta Film Week is especially meaningful. It’s a moment we’ve been looking forward to for a long time."
Tara Sibel Demren, co-founder of Riva Studios, emphasized the intentional design of the film’s emotional landscape. "We designed this for families to watch side by side and discuss afterward," Demren stated. "We hope Bima’s journey reminds audiences how much it matters to have someone believe in you, especially when your dreams feel out of reach. Seeing both ticket releases fill so quickly is an encouraging start. We’re looking forward to hearing audiences’ reactions."
From the distribution side, Sophie Shi, head of studios at EST N8, expressed enthusiasm for the film’s cross-cultural appeal. "‘Forza’ follows a boy from Bali and a former pro footballer who open new doors for each other, and it bridges Indonesia and Italy the way only football can," Shi said. "It’s a film for audiences around the world, with a story of family and hope that transcends language and culture. Our mission is to take bold Asian stories to audiences worldwide, and a family film told through the world’s most popular sport is built to travel."
Implications: The Future of Cross-Continental Co-productions
The trajectory of Forza offers a compelling blueprint for future independent film projects. In an era where global streaming platforms have flattened the demand for content, local stories with universal emotional anchors are proving to be the most resilient assets.
1. The Power of "Global-Local" Storytelling
By utilizing the specific cultural backdrop of Bali and the football pedigree of Italy, the filmmakers have created a unique aesthetic that feels authentic to both regions. This "glocal" approach—grounding a film in local reality while utilizing universal themes—is increasingly being recognized as a key strategy for international market penetration.
2. The Role of Established Talent in Independent Projects
The involvement of AC Milan legend Alessandro Costacurta provides Forza with immediate credibility in the European market. By integrating such high-profile figures into independent narratives, producers can lower the "discovery cost" of a film, attracting viewers who might otherwise overlook a smaller production.
3. Strengthening the Indonesia-Italy Pipeline
The partnership between Indonesian producers, such as Ario Sagantoro, and international studios signals a growing sophistication in the Indonesian film industry. As the nation continues to produce award-winning content, projects like Forza act as vital cultural bridges, fostering deeper collaboration between Southeast Asian creators and European production houses.
4. A Template for Family-Oriented Independent Drama
In a theatrical market often dominated by high-octane blockbusters, Forza fills a void for grounded, humanistic family dramas. The rapid sell-out of tickets in Jakarta underscores a clear demand for stories that prioritize character development and emotional resonance. If Forza succeeds at the international box office, it could encourage further investment in mid-budget, message-driven films.
Conclusion
As Forza prepares for its international debut at TIFFCOM, the anticipation surrounding the project is palpable. With a strong distribution partner, a heart-tugging narrative, and a clear vision for cross-cultural connection, the film is well-positioned to leave a lasting impact on global audiences.
Whether it is through the eyes of a young boy in Bali or the weary experience of a seasoned professional in Milan, Forza reminds us that the most powerful stories are those that bridge the gap between where we are and where we dream of being. As the film moves toward its 2027 theatrical release, it stands as a shining example of what happens when passion, collaboration, and the "world’s most popular sport" collide on the silver screen.
